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Does Pressure Washing Damage Concrete? The Truth Revealed
Concrete surfaces, from driveways and sidewalks to patios and garage floors, are everywhere. Over time, they accumulate dirt, grime, stains, and sometimes even mold, making cleaning and maintaining them necessary. One popular method for cleaning concrete is pressure washing. However, a common concern among homeowners and property managers is whether pressure washing can potentially harm their concrete surfaces. In this article, we will dive deep into the world of pressure washing to determine whether it can cause damage to concrete and, if so, how to avoid it. Understanding Pressure Washing Pressure washing is a powerful cleaning technique that employs a high-pressure stream of water to remove dirt, grime, and stains from various surfaces. The key to its effectiveness lies in the force of the water, which can be adjusted based on the surface being cleaned. Pressure washers come equipped with different nozzles and settings to suit different cleaning needs, making them versatile tools for outdoor cleaning tasks. The Benefits of Pressure Washing Concrete Before delving into the potential risks, let’s first understand why pressure washing is a popular choice for cleaning concrete surfaces: Effective Cleaning: Pressure washing can remove stubborn dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and stains from concrete surfaces quickly and effectively. It can make old and dingy concrete look new again.Enhanced Curb Appeal: Clean, well-maintained concrete surfaces can significantly improve the curb appeal of your property. Whether it’s a driveway, patio, or walkway, a fresh and clean appearance can leave a positive impression.Longevity: Regular pressure washing helps prevent the buildup of dirt, mold, and other contaminants that can cause long-term damage to concrete surfaces. This can extend the lifespan of your concrete and reduce the need for costly repairs or replacements.Safety: Algae, moss, and mold can make concrete surfaces slippery and hazardous, especially when wet. Pressure washing removes these substances, making the area safer for walking and driving.Preparation for Sealing or Painting: Pressure washing is essential if you plan to seal or paint your concrete surfaces. It ensures a clean, smooth surface that allows for better adhesion of sealants or paint.Time Efficiency: Pressure washing is quick, making it ideal for larger concrete surfaces like driveways or parking lots. It can save you a significant amount of time compared to manual scrubbing.Health Benefits: Removing mold, mildew, and algae from concrete surfaces can improve air quality around your property, benefiting people with allergies or respiratory issues. The Potential Risks of Pressure Washing Concrete While pressure washing offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks associated with this cleaning method: Excessive Pressure: Using excessive pressure can damage concrete surfaces. High-pressure settings can lead to surface erosion and even cracks, particularly on older or weakened concrete.Surface Damage: Pressure washing can sometimes result in surface damage, such as etching or pitting. This is more likely to happen if the wrong nozzle type or pressure setting is used.Injury or Property Damage: Pressure washers are powerful tools that can cause harm if mishandled. There’s a risk of slips and falls on wet surfaces, and the high-pressure spray can damage nearby objects or landscaping. Factors That Determine Concrete Damage Whether pressure washing will harm your concrete depends on several factors: Age and Condition of the Concrete: Older or more deteriorated concrete is more vulnerable to damage from pressure washing. Newer, well-maintained concrete is generally more resistant.Nozzle Type and Pressure Setting: The nozzle type and pressure setting you choose are crucial in preventing damage. Using a wide-angle nozzle and starting with a lower-pressure setting is safer for most concrete surfaces.Technique: Proper technique is vital. Holding the nozzle too close to the surface or staying in one spot for too long can cause damage. Maintain a safe distance and keep the nozzle moving.Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Freeze-thaw cycles can be particularly damaging in regions with cold winters. Water can penetrate small cracks in the concrete, freeze, expand, and then thaw, causing the cracks to widen and leading to surface spalling and structural damage.Chemical Exposure: Exposure to harsh chemicals, such as de-icing salts, acids, or industrial pollutants, can erode the surface of concrete and weaken its structural integrity.Poor Construction or Workmanship: Inadequate construction practices or poor workmanship during the initial pouring and curing of concrete can result in various issues, such as inadequate compaction, improper curing, and weak joints.Tree Roots: Tree roots can grow beneath concrete surfaces and exert pressure, causing cracks and heaving. This is especially common on sidewalks and driveways near trees.Seismic Activity: In earthquake-prone areas, seismic activity can cause significant damage to concrete structures. Proper construction techniques and reinforcement are essential to withstand seismic forces.Design and Quality: The design of a concrete structure and the quality of materials used play a crucial role in its durability. Proper mix design, concrete cover, and reinforcement are essential for long-lasting concrete. Safe Pressure Washing Practices To minimize the risk of damage to your concrete surfaces, follow these safe pressure-washing practices: Choose the Right Pressure Setting: Start with a lower pressure setting and gradually increase it as needed. Test a small, inconspicuous area first to gauge the effect.Use the Correct Nozzle: Opt for a wide-angle nozzle, such as a 25- to 40-degree spray pattern, for most concrete surfaces. This distributes the pressure more evenly.Maintain a Safe Distance: Hold the nozzle at least 6 to 12 inches from the concrete surface. Avoid getting too close, as this can cause damage.Keep the Nozzle Moving: Always move the nozzle in a sweeping motion. Never focus on one spot for too long, as this can lead to surface damage. Signs of Concrete Damage Knowing the signs of concrete damage is crucial. Look out for the following indicators: Crumbling Edges: The edges of concrete structures, such as sidewalks and driveways, are susceptible to damage. Crumbling or eroding edges can occur due to foot or vehicle traffic, freeze-thaw cycles, or inadequate construction.Cracks: Pressure washing can exacerbate or create new cracks, particularly in weak or older concrete. Concrete cracking can take various forms and sizes, including hairline, surface, and deep cracks. The presence of cracks is
How Your Property Can Benefit From Deck Pressure Washing
Deck Pressure Washing 101 An outdoor deck can be a wonderful investment for your home or business, providing you, friends, clients and customers with a great space to entertain guests, enjoy the outdoors, and simply relax for a bit at the end of a long day. In order to keep your residential or commercial deck looking its best, regular deck pressure washing is important, and here with Southern Power Wash we’re the premier source for pressure washing for the surrounding local area and we can help you get the job done right. Are you looking for a professional deck pressure washing company in Memphis, TN that can provide you with the comprehensive deck power washing services you need for your property? If so, give our team of highly skilled and trained professionals a call today, and let us show you the kind of quality results that have helped make us the most trusted name in deck pressure washing your area has to offer! Effective cleaning that will prevent mold, mildew, dirt, staining and MORE! When you hire a deck pressure washing company, you get to benefit from effective, properly processed and highly trained pressure wash cleaning. As we have been deck pressure washing for a long time, we know how to provide you the final results that you are looking for. By using our pressure washing service, your exterior property will be thoroughly cleaned so that no spot is missed; our team will cover every area so that your deck or patio looks amazing. Our deck power washing technicians will eliminate dirt, dust, and debris for good, and we are here to remove unwanted residue and particles so that you do not have to deal with them. Through pressure washing, we will eradicate the dirt and grime so that your deck looks amazing. We use advanced equipment to loosen dirt and debris, as manual cleaning fails to remove the fungi you require for a thorough and proper deck power washing, to get the final result that you are looking for. Our team of professionals would remove fungi, mold, and mildew to protect your exterior property from rotting or extended damage over the years. Extend the longevity and durability your deck has to offer Here at Southern Power Wash, our team of skilled pressure washing experts wants to do everything in our power to help you keep your home or business’s deck area in the best shape possible, and with our high quality deck pressure washing services, we’re able to do just that. Regular deck pressure washing can not only help to keep your deck looking good, but will also help to remove any potentially harmful contaminants, mold, mildew, and staining that could cause damage to your deck’s surface over time. With regular deck pressure washing, you can effectively remove these contaminants and extend the life of your outdoor deck surface. If you have any questions about our full line of deck pressure washing services, or if you would like to get an estimate for your next project, give us a call today! Our team of highly trained and friendly experts are always standing by, and would be happy to assist you in any way we can. Revamp, Renew, and Increase Your Property Value and Curb Appeal One of the areas that is oftentimes overlooked when pressure washing and cleaning, is the deck area. It’s underfoot, so our eyes don’t usually travel down while enjoying the outdoor areas we have on our properties. However, it is crucial that you clean it from time to time, otherwise, it can and will wear down and become dingy and damaged. Although wood is durable and sturdy, it does not mean that it is entirely impervious to mother nature; as winds pick up in your area and as storms roll through, or the harsh sun’s UV rays are beating down, the deck covering your property can get damaged. This is where the trained professionals with a deck power washing company come into play. Southern Power Wash is the leading patio pressure washing company in the Memphis and surrounding Tennessee area. When it comes to deck cleaning, we are your best option for high quality, professional and friendly services, fast! When you hire most deck pressure washing agents for all your deck and patio pressure washing services, you get to immediately increase the value of your property. By the time our technicians are done with their work, the decks and patios surrounding your home or business property will look and feel significantly younger. As your deck is an integral part of your personal or commercial property, you have to look after it. When you hire our phenomenal deck pressure washing service, you get to enhance its appearance and the durability of the structure. This would help increase the value of your property and attract more potential property buyers instantly. You can rely on our pressure washing services to sell your property with ease. We have helped countless clients and know how to elevate the look and feel of any exterior, fast! How Often Should One Power Wash Their Deck Unfortunately, there is no common one size fits all solution to determine how often deck pressure washing is necessary. In many cases, it should be done on a yearly basis, often during the start of the season to remove autumn and winter foliage left unchecked. If a deck is in heavily shaded areas, or is often wet by storms, receives runoff or is in range of sprinklers, the wooden deck area may require more cleaning. Signs that your pavers need attention is weed, grass, or moss growth on or in between bricks, if you have a concrete slab as your entertainment area. Other common issues are mold and mildew, dark stains, sinking spots, water damage, uneven surfaces, loose, or protruding wood or drainage issues. There are other factors to consider such as the deck’s finish and the type of organic growth that is present. A soft
The Best Time Of Year To Power Wash Your Home
Finding The Right Time To Power Wash YOur House When you live in Memphis, TN, you definitely do not have nearly year-round perfect weather. The winters can be harsh with the snow. Summer can be nice. Residents can expect a warm and sunny day, but the warm and humid weather can have a negative impact on the outdoor surfaces that are most exposed to the environment. Mold and mildew can grow quickly on the exterior of your home, and they must be removed to keep the house’s integrity and beauty. Professional power washing companies, such as Southern Power Wash, can assist you in keeping the exterior of your Mempis, TN, home clean and mold-free. why is power washing your house a good idea Pressure washing a house is a great idea because mold and mildew can have serious negative effects on the integrity of your home. Just as you would not want algae and mold growing on the interior of your home, so too would you want to prevent this type of growth on the exterior. Mold spores can grow into a full infestation on the exterior surfaces of your home. Mold can cause black streaks and stains on your roof, concrete surfaces, or walls if not cleaned properly by a professional pressure washer. Mold and mildew can eventually cause severe damage to things like roof shingles, which will require professional repair. Another great reason to consider investing in power washing your home is the allergens and hazards to your family’s health that some mold and mildew around your home can have. If you or a loved one is very sensitive to pollen, dust, or other types of allergens in the air, you can count on them being in the environment when mold or mildew has grown in your home. To prevent any kind of sickness or health issues, be sure to contact our power washing business for a free estimate on your next pressure washing job. Be sure to provide ample time to get the job done just in case the weather turns sour unexpectedly. When Is the Best Time to Power Wash Your Home’s Exterior? One of the most frequently asked questions we get at Southern Power Wash is when is the best time to pressure wash your house in Tennessee. When you should hire a team to power wash your house will depend on the time of year and how long it has been since you had pressure washing done. If your home has been exposed to any particularly harsh conditions or you have seen the development of mold, rot, or deterioration, you will most certainly want to pressure wash your home’s siding and roof sooner rather than later. Be sure to contact a professional power washing company in Memphis, TN to get a free estimate on the service. When is the best season to power wash your home In general, mild weather is the best time to get the ideal power washing results. It is important that the temperature is not too hot or too cold. Obviously, freezing temperatures in the winter season or blistering heat in the middle of summer would not be right for pressure washing. For homes in the Memphis area, our team at Southern Power Wash recommends any time between the months of March and November. If you choose the summertime, we will want to come to your property early to avoid the highest temperatures of the day. the best temperature for power washing your home When our experienced pressure washer arrives at your Memphis, TN, home, we will explain to you when the best temperature for completing the wash is and why. Generally, we recommend mild temperatures to ensure that we are able to reduce mold, mildew, and any other contaminants from staining or damaging your home. When Should You Not Power Wash Your House in Memphis, TN? The worst time to pressure wash your home is during the extreme temperatures that occur throughout the year. The best weather is mild—not too hot or too cold, and we also like to have great daylight visibility. If there is too much cloud coverage, we may end up missing spots that will need to be cleaned again. So, the least ideal times to power wash your home are when the temperature is at its extreme, there is precipitation in the air, or the day is extremely cloudy. Our team at Southern Power Wash can let you know when the perfect time is to complete the job, but we can generally say that fall and spring will usually bring about the best weather. Contact Us to Learn More About the Best Time to Power Wash Your House Your Memphis, Tennessee, home is getting darker or stained because mold or other things are growing there. The warm and humid weather in Tennessee is great for living and doing things outside, but it can do a lot of damage to your house. That’s why it’s important to power wash your home as part of your regular maintenance schedule. When you have just applied a fresh coat of paint to your home, the last thing you want to see is staining from mold growth. If this happens, you will have to have the mold removed and likely put another coat of paint on the surface. As a way of preventing this waste of time and money, our team at Southern Power Wash recommends having pressure washing completed at regular yearly intervals. We highly recommend pressure washing your home before you paint it to help your home’s paint look its best and last a long time. At Southern Power Wash, our team has the experience, skills, and expertise to get your home pressure washed quickly and effectively. With our pressure washing services in Memphis, TN, you will never have to worry about the growth of any unsightly contaminants or damage that they may cause. When fall or spring rolls around, be sure to give us a call
What You Need To Know About Refinishing Your Wood Deck
Refinishing wood decks: all you need to know A wooden deck is excellent for getting more out of your outdoor space. You can use the area for entertaining purposes, relaxing, or setting up an outdoor kitchen. However, while a wooden deck is a great feature, it comes with some maintenance that some people may find overwhelming. Besides regular cleaning, refinishing your deck is necessary to keep it in good shape. A refinished wood deck not only looks great, but it also protects the wood and extends its life. Of course, you can do it yourself to save on some cash, but it’s always a great idea to bring in professionals for a seamless finish. At Southern Power Wash, we offer professional pressure washing in preparation for your restoration services for all decks. Not only that, we clean and seal the decks on your structure to stretch out its lifespan. Having a well maintained deck is important in increasing the lifespan and integrity of it for years to come. WHY SHOULD I REFINISH MY WOODEN DECK? HOW DOES REFINISHING PROTECT MY DECK? Refinishing a deck helps maintain its nice look and protects it from moisture-related damage, thus prolonging its lifespan. For many homeowners looking to refinish their deck, the question becomes; should I stain, paint or seal? If you’ve had a similar issue, here is a breakdown that may help you decide what you should go for. seal If you want to highlight the deck’s natural wood grain, using a sealant is a great choice. A sealant is a clear protective coating that sits on the wood. It will provide a degree of UV protection to the wood surface. It’s an excellent choice if you’re okay with the look of your wood’s natural color and simply want a layer of protection. Since it is clear, you won’t see flaking and chipping easily against the grain, but sealant does not last very long, either. This is a good option if you like the natural color of your deck. Stain When going for a more natural, but beautiful look, your best bet is to stain your deck. Wood stain partially fills the wood pores and forms a thin layer over the deck that lets the superficial cracks in the wood and the grain pattern seep through the stain giving you an earthy natural look. However, if you’re looking to disguise your deck’s imperfections while maintaining a rustic aesthetic, using a highly pigmented solid stain is a good choice. Paint At Southern Power Wash, we never recommend you paint your wooden deck. Paint isn’t breathable; as your wood swells and shrinks with temperature changes, paint is likely to crack, leaving your wooden deck exposed to the elements. Instead, you can use solid color stains for a look similar to a painted finish. HOW TO TEST THE WOOD TO SEE IF IT NEEDS TO BE REFINISHED YET? To determine if your wood is ready for refinishing, pour a cup of water over a few areas on your wooden deck. If the wood absorbs the moisture in under ten minutes or it darkens, it’s an indication that it’s time to stain it. On the other hand, if the water beads on the deck surface without being absorbed in 10 minutes, you can wait to apply a new stain or remove the old finish. Decks typically undergo a lot of wear and tear over the years. Be it sun damage from exposure to direct sunlight or a lot of foot traffic; there’s no doubt that your deck will get to a point where you won’t be able to refinish it. It may take a while before you have to replace it, but the need may arrive sooner than you expect. Here are times that refinishing the deck just won’t cut it anymore: Obvious damage to the deck – If you notice any cracks in the wood, holes, or broken board, it’s time to get a wood replacement to make the deck sturdy once again. Rotting – Wood rot can creep up on you and destroy your whole deck. If you notice one rot spot, carefully examine the entire deck and replace the rotten wood with top-quality material. Rusted fixtures – While checking for rot, inspect the fixtures for rusting. If you’ve had your house for a long time, the fixtures and fittings are probably rusted and weakened. Replace them as soon as possible to prevent structural compromise. Expensive refinish costs– If your refinish costs start being almost equal to your replacement costs, it’s time to get rid of the entire deck board. Can My Neglected, Weathered Deck Be Restored? Yes, you can restore your weathered deck to its original glory. Although it’s a project you can undertake on your own, a professional will help you achieve the right results. Don’t hesitate to give Southern Power Wash a call for your deck restoration needs. We want to help breathe life back into your home’s wooden deck. When is the best time to refinish my deck? The best time to restore or refinish your wood deck is the dry season, that is, anytime between May to September. However, if you choose to go into the later months of the year, you need to be careful as it can get extremely cold, and you want to ensure your sealants or strains are cured, which is impossible to be sure of during the cold season. A good rule of thumb is that most decks need to be redone every 2-4 years, depending upon exposure to sunlight and other elements. This is something you do not want to rush. HOW IS THE WOODEN DECK REFINISHED OR RESTORED? To refinish a wood deck, we first clean it, then strip it of the existing finish. We usually use a hydroxide-based stripper to allow the power washer to cut through any remaining sealants. We then neutralize the wood using a wood brightener to bring it to an acceptable pH, apply the new finish and
The Best Way to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Even in today’s housing market with low inventory, a buyer’s first impression of a home matters. Of course, you only get one crack at making a great first impression, and it boils down to one thing, curb appeal. The way a home looks from the outside is considered curb appel, and it can have a big impact on how much you can sell your home for. According to a study by University of Texas at Arlington business professor Sriram Villupuram, on average, a home with higher curb appeal is likely to sell for 7% more than a home with a less-welcoming exterior. According to Bailey Carson, home expert at Angi.com, “The first impressions for potential buyers has a big impact on their mentality as they tour your home, and it can alter what they feel your home is worth”. You don’t want some chipped paint on the exterior of his door to give a bad first impression as to what the interior of the home may look like. We have decided to put together a list to boost your home’s curb appeal to help get you top dollar for your home. Spruce Up Your Landscaping According to a survey in 2019 of real estate agents by Home Light, a well-landscaped home sells for anywhere between 1% to 10% more than homes with no landscaping. You will want your home’s landscaping to look clean and trimmed when potential buyers pull up to see your home. Professional landscaping can be pretty costly. The good news is you can give your outdoor space a facelift – adding some instant curb appeal. Just like the interior, it is important to do your regular outdoor yard maintenance. These simple tasks will make a big difference when it comes to your houses curb appeal: Mow your grass Blow away leaves and debris Sweep Remove any weeds Pick up any garden tools and put in your shed Trim your shrubs/bushes Accessorize your backyard landscaping with flowers and plants. If you don’t have the green thumb or time to maintain a lush flower bed, try researching lower maintenance flower options. You can even use larger flowerpots. Another option is window boxes or hanging planters with annual flowers. Beautiful flowers can instantly add curb appeal. Make the driveway, walkway, and windows clean with Power Washing You may not notice how dirty your driveway is when you pull your car in and out each day, but potential buyers will. If your driveway has tire marks, oil spots, or other grime, you can typically get rid of them with power washing. We specialize in power washing, concrete, driveways, roof cleaning, house washing, decks. You name it, we can clean it. Buyers notice roofs and it goes beyond just curb appeal. A roof is a major part of the home. Having a dirty roof gives the appearance and impression your roof and home has been neglected. We are able to take care of this before listing your home to ensure your home is looking its best. Because, lets face it, there are few things more satisfying than power washing years of dirt and grime off your siding, porch, walkway, and driveway. Paint your front door The front door is the main entrance to your home. It is worthwhile to do this quick improvement before getting ready to sell. Now you can’t decide the right color? I know some homes looks beautiful with a bright-colored front door but, a Zillow study in 2018 found that homes with black or charcoal gray front doors sell for nearly $6,000 more than expected. Painting your front door is a quick and easy project for you to tackle. However, if your front door is warping, rusting, has cracks, it may be necessary to go ahead and buy a new one. You want a home that the front door stands out, not blends in. Swap Out Your Fixtures To give your home’s exterior an updated, modern look, replace any old outdated light fixtures and old house numbers. A new mailbox can also make your house more inviting. Good outdoor lighting can not only boost the appearance of the home but can also add an extra layer of safety during the evenings. Having a well-lit walkway to your front door is a must. There’s nothing welcoming about a dark entryway. Replacing the fixtures can give a more fun and fresher look. If you still want some additional light sources, hang some porch string lights, or use some solar powered lanterns to light up a walkway. Make Outdoor Spaces Inviting If you have a front deck or patio, don’t leave it empty. A good outdoor living space is a “must have” for most homebuyers. Patios, porches, and decks should look clean, fresh, and inviting. Staging the exterior is just as important as staging the inside of your home. The exterior needs to look fresh, clean, and uncluttered. Another easy way to make the outdoor space of your home more inviting is to update your house numbers. By removing your old house numbers and replacing them with something new and clean can quickly modernize the look of your home. Be sure to choose a font for the numbers that aligns with the architecture and style of your home. Fix It Up Take care of any small or minor repairs you may have been putting off. Simply fixing ripped screens, chipped paint can make a difference. Every tiny flaw may stand out to potential buyers, so it is worth taking a day to fix them. Take a quick walk around the outside and inside of your house and note anything that requires a quick fix. Next, get the tools you need and get to work. Capture The Curb Appeal Professional photography is incredibly important for a great listing presentation. When buyers are looking, often times they find a home online first. If you don’t have good, clean, staged photos, potential buyers will scroll past your home. Great home photography comes from
Prepping Your Home To Paint
Power Washing Has it been a long time since you last cleaned the exterior of your home? All you need is power washing. It makes all the difference. You will be amazed by what it can do for you. It will get rid of dirt and grime from your property to ensure that it is squeaky clean. If you have not hired power wash services in the past, you are missing out as it can make all the difference. The fact is that you cannot expect to take on the work on your own. Besides, it is not recommended to use harsh chemicals to scrub the surface. It is due to this reason that most homeowners tend to look up “power washing companies near me”. Here’s everything you need to know about it. Do You Need to Pressure Wash a Property Before a Paint Job? When it comes to painting your property, it is recommended to hire a power washing/ pressure washing service. Through a power wash, you get to eliminate loose paint, dirt, debris, and grime. It ensures that you get a clean and dry surface to get paint on. With power washing, you can expect to get an amazing paint job done. Hence, it is the way to go. What Makes Pressure Washing Difference from Soft Washing? As the main suggests, soft washing uses lower pressure and a high volume of water along with a cleaning solution to clean a surface such as a roof. On the other hand, pressure washing uses high pressure and does not require as much water or detergent. Pressure washing is best suited for removing tough stains from exterior surfaces. As for soft washing, it works best when cleaning delicate surfaces such as vinyl and wood siding. This is why a soft wash is performed for maintaining the paint, whereas, a pressure wash is suggested before the paint job. Why Is Pressure Washing Recommended? The truth is that painting the exterior of your house can be costly. It has to be done right to avoid mistakes. If you are unable to clean the surface, the grime would cause a great deal of trouble. Besides, if you paint over a dirty surface, it would decrease the life of the paint. By preparing the surface, you get to make sure that you get a long-lasting paint job. A professional pressure wash is recommended before the paint job as it would help clean the surface and eliminate the oxidation layer. Thus, you can expect the new paint coating to be able to stick to the surface more easily. Is It Possible to Paint Over Dirty Siding? Why It Is Not A Good Idea To Paint Over Dirty Siding? When anyone applies paint over dirty siding, it would be difficult for the paint to stick. This is why you have to ensure that the surface is perfectly clean if you want the new paint to adhere properly. If you fail to do so, the paint would be unable to penetrate into the siding which would only lead to premature peeling. What Would Happen If You Paint Your Home Without First Pressure Washing It? Since your house is likely to be dirty, you will have to get it pressure washed in order for it to get painted. The reason behind this is that you would be unable to achieve a thorough bond between the exterior materials if the surface has dirt, oxidation, or contamination. Even if the paint looks decent initially, it would quickly crack and peel within a short period of time. Then, you would have to spend money on repainting the property which would prove inconvenient and rather expensive. This is why you have to consider power washing services. How Long Can Exterior Paint Last? There is no exact lifespan of exterior paint. However, you can expect it to last anywhere from 5 to 25 years. It all comes down to the substrate and maintenance. Unlike vinyl or aluminum which can last up to 20 years, wood siding only lasts for 5 years. But, it is worth keeping in mind that regular soft washing can help protect the paint and ensure that it lasts longer. Should You Power Wash Your Painted Property? If you have freshly painted your home, it is not recommended that you get it power washed as the high pressure would cause the paint to peel, crack, or bubble. Instead, it is best that you opt for a soft wash to ensure that your property remains clean and the paint lasts longer. When it comes to the soft wash, the detergents used would help break down algae, mold, mildew, and other harmful contaminants. Besides, it is biodegradable. Hence, you have nothing to worry about. In order to prepare for the soft wash, all you have to do is close all of the windows and the professional power washing company would take care of everything. How Long Should You Wait After A Power Wash To Paint Your Home? Generally, you should be able to paint your property the next day. It is advised that you first perform a touch test for making sure that the surface is in fact dry. Now, you must not wait for a month or two to paint your property after a power wash as it would accumulate some dirt and grime which would make it more difficult to get the results that you desire. What Are The Advantages of Getting a Professional Power Wash? There are a number of benefits of a professional power wash as mentioned below. 1. Maintain the Exterior One of the main benefits of a professional power wash is that you get to maintain the exterior. The fact is that the home exteriors should be able to combat all sorts of weather elements such as rain, sun, and hail. With time, the exterior of your property would oxidize, discolor, and degrade which would affect the value of your home. Therefore, a power wash should